Contact Us:
Charles Quintela
Director of Teacher Education Programs
For students aspiring to become certified teachers in public, charter, or private schools, serving children from Early Childhood (Pre-K) through 3rd grade.
Pathway Overview
Students begin by earning an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), which provides foundational coursework in pedagogy, child development, and classroom management. Upon completion, they transition seamlessly into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching (ECET EC–3).
Career Opportunities
This degree prepares graduates for Texas teacher certification in EC–3, qualifying them to teach in early elementary classrooms, including Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–3.
- Opportunities include:
- Certified EC–3 classroom teacher (public, charter, or private)
- Early literacy interventionist
- ESL or bilingual early grades teacher (with additional certification)
- Lead teacher in early childhood education centers
Transferability
AAT coursework is fully transferable to many four-year colleges and universities in Texas. Students may also opt to transfer to other educator preparation programs if seeking to teach beyond grade 3.
Benefits of the Bachelor's ECET EC–3
- Field-based residency and apprenticeship opportunities aligned with state Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives
- Pathway to teacher certification through partnerships with ESCs and ISDs and Residency programs
- Flexible course delivery for working paraprofessionals or career changers
Disclaimer: Completion of either the Bachelor's ECET EC–3 or the Bachelor's ECET Child Development program does not result in automatic teacher certification. Graduates who wish to pursue teacher certification must apply to and complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) or Alternative Certification Program (ACP) following graduation.